Rutgers University Athletics

Tariq Francis joins the Scarlet Knights with two years of eligibility remaining following a standout career at NJIT in the America East Conference. He brings a strong reputation for excellence on both ends of the court—particularly on offense..

2024–25 Season (at NJIT):

• Played in 27 games, starting 26, and led the America East Conference with an average of 19.2 points per game. Also averaged 4.3 rebounds, 34.6 minutes, along with 97 assists and 28 steals.

• Scored 519 total points while shooting 84% from the free-throw line, 50% from the field, and 32% from three-point range.

• Recorded 14 games with 20+ points.

• Made a three-pointer in every game and holds an active streak of 45 consecutive games with a made three-pointer.

• Had a five-game stretch with 23+ points, including a then-season-best 24 points at UMass (Dec. 1).

• Led NJIT to a win over New Hampshire with 19 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds (Jan. 18).

• Scored 27 points on 10-of-22 shooting at UAlbany (Jan. 25).

• Delivered a standout performance with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 three-pointers at UMBC (Feb. 22).

• Posted a season-high 29 points and a career-best six three-pointers in the season finale win at Binghamton (Mar. 4).

2023–24 Season (at NJIT):

• Played in all 27 games (11 starts), averaging 14.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals.

• Scored 399 total points in 741 minutes, shooting 39% from the field, 35% from three, and nearly 80% from the free-throw line.

• Earned multiple honors, including:

  • America East Rookie of the Year

  • Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association Rookie of the Year

  • America East All-Rookie Team

  • Eight-time America East Rookie of the Week

• Led the Highlanders in points per game (14.8), assists (2.6), and steals (1.5).

• Scored 10+ points in 20 games and 20+ points in 8 games.

Notable performances:

• 31 points in an upset win over Vermont (Feb. 8)
• 26 points two days later in another upset over UMass Lowell (Feb. 10)
• Pulled down a season-high 9 rebounds to help NJIT overcome a 22-point halftime deficit in a win against UMBC (Jan. 27).

High School:

• Spent his first two years at Obama Academy in Pittsburgh before transferring to First Love Christian Academy.

• Led Obama to a City Championship as a freshman and was named First Team All-City.

• Played AAU for Rise High (Pittsburgh) and later for NJ Legacy alongside current Rutgers teammate Sebastian Robinson.

• Finished his AAU career with the NY Rens in the Nike EYBL.

• Rutgers assistant coach and former Pitt star Brandon Knight is his cousin and mentor.

• Rated a 3-star recruit by 247Sports.

• Transfer ranking: #394 overall and #65 among point guards (247Sports).

Personal:

• Owns a personal merchandise store at stadiummerch.com/tariq-francis.

• Signed an NIL deal with Lifestyle Sports Agency on March 26, 2025.

• His father, a New Jersey native, attended Seton Hall Prep.